Buford has built a reputation on its jarring defense. Warner Robins has built its reputation the last three years on its offense. Both trends held true again in the semifinals and the two iconic programs will meeting in the Class AAAAA championship game on Friday at Georgia State Stadium.
Buford blanked Jones County 29-0 and Warner Robins dispatched Starr’s Mill 55-3. That sets up the first even meeting between the two teams on the state’s largest stage.
Buford is going for its 12th state championship and first since 2016. Warner Robins is aiming for its fifth state championship and first since 2004.
The Buford defense sacked prolific Jones County quarterback Hunter Costlow six times and came up with a safety; Evan DiMaggio had two sacks and the safety. The defense had a key stop on third-and-goal at the 1 to keep Jones County off the board in the first possession of the game. It was Buford’s second shutout of the season and seventh time to allow fewer than 10 points. Jones County finished with only 33 yards rushing.
“That’s what we preached all week long,” Buford coach Bryant Appling, told the Gwinnett Daily Post. “We knew we had to play good defense against a good team that could put it in the air a lot. And then (offensively) we had to run the ball and keep control of the clock on a night like this.”
Victor Venn led the offense with 108 yards and 10 touchdowns. Hayden Olsen kicked a pair of field goals.
The Warner Robins offense was running at a high level. The Demons scored a season-high 55 points, giving them 500 for the year, an average of 35.7. They’ve scored 104 points over the past two games.
Quarterback Jalen Addie ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more to lead Warner Robins. Armon Porter and Jahlen Rutherford caught the touchdown passes. James Smith ran for two touchdowns. The Warner Robins defense scored twice on fumble recoveries and returns.
“This is what Demon Country feels like,” first-year Warner Robins coach Marquis Westbrook told the Macon Telegraph. “It is a blessing to be a part of it because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
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